“I came to be a part of the industry almost by chance,” said Rebecca Gallagher, Area Sales Manager – Scotland & North East, adding “I’d not long left university and wasn’t sure which career path I wanted to take. Then, a recruitment company set me up with an interview at ROCKWOOL and almost four years later it was the best decision I have made.”
Rebecca continues, “Although there’s an obvious perception that construction is predominantly a male industry, I feel strongly about changing this stigma. There is no reason as to why women can’t be in the same positions in this industry as men.”
Opportunities for women
Women have all the skills required to work in the construction industry"
Colleague Emma Jenkins, Inside Sales Manager agrees, stating “Women have all the skills required to work in the construction industry, the technical know-how, planning and negotiating. Despite the positive experiences of Emma and Rebecca, women only make up 14 percent of the construction workforce, meaning there’s much more to be done to attract females into the industry.”
To help #breakthebias, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, both Emma and Rebecca feel it’s important to continually raise the profile of the industry and its opportunities for women.
Ever-Changing industry
“I always promote the industry to women whenever I speak publicly,” said Rebecca Gallagher, adding “Because I really do feel it is a good industry to be in as a woman. Coming into it at a young age with no prior construction experience, I didn’t know what to expect – but it really is such a varied, exciting sector to be part of.”
Emma Jenkins added on what she feels is an ‘ever-changing’ industry, stating “I spread the word on why this industry is for everyone whenever I have the chance. We have to challenge old-fashioned stereotypes.”
A further way that Emma and other ROCKWOOL colleagues are supporting the change is through the manufacturer’s partnership with Women into Construction. “ROCKWOOL became a platinum partner last year and I hope to get more involved, alongside other women in our business, to encourage others to consider a career in construction,” said Emma Jenkins.
